Frequently Asked Questions about Lodging, Fees, and Resort Policies
What is included in the conference fees?
State Conference is an all-inclusive package that includes lodging on Wednesday and Thursday nights (November 6 and & 7), conference meals (Wednesday dinner; Thursday breakfast, lunch & dinner; Friday breakfast & lunch), sessions, materials, entertainment, and CLE credit.
How are you able to keep costs so reasonable?
To maximize participation at State Conference, the Legal Services Advisory Committee provided funding to help lower the cost of attendance so that more people working in the access to justice field in Minnesota are able to attend.
Legal Aid and Staff from LSAC-funded organizations (see the full list of qualifying organizations)
Organizations typically pay for all your conference fees (except incidentals) for double occupancy lodging. Organizations will be billed after the Conference. If you select the Double Occupancy "ticket" please select your own roommate in advance and include their name on your online registration form. If you select a double occupancy ticket and cannot find a roommate, contact Leah Mair at lmair@mnlegalservices.org. Staff will assess your needs via survey in order to assign a suitable match from the available pool of attendees seeking roommates.
If you would like a single room, an additional charge is required, which you must personally pay via credit card at the time you register. Select the "ticket" labeled "Single Occupancy." State Support must receive your payment and registration by Wednesday, September 18th at 5:00 p.m.
Volunteer Attorneys, Nonprofits, and Government Staff, and Private Attorneys
Fees for both double and single occupancy rooms are listed on the "tickets" for your participant type.
What does double occupancy mean?
A double occupancy room means two adults in one room with two beds. A single occupancy room means one adult in one room with one (or two) bed(s).
What if I want to bring an adult guest to stay with me during the conference?
If you are bringing an adult guest, you must pay the applicable guest ticket rate. Purchase tickets and then enter your guests' name on the registration form, using the Roommate field. The total costs for you and an adult guest to attend are listed on the applicable tickets for your participant type. Guests have access to all conference group meals. Please note that most on-site restaurants will be closed for the season during the conference.
You may notice that the Guest rate is higher than the attendee rate. This is because of funding from the Legal Services Advisory Committee (LSAC), which allows us to lower the cost of attendance for conference participants. Unfortunately, we are not able to extend this reduced price to guests of conference attendees.
What if I want to bring my child(ren) with me during the conference?
If your child(ren) will be coming with you, children's rates apply. See your registration ticket type for applicable rates. Kids will have access to all group meals. Important Notes: Most on-site restaurants will be closed for the season during the conference. There is no childcare available through State Support or Madden’s at Gull Lake.
Can I choose my room type?
Absent any accessibility needs, rooms will be assigned randomly. We cannot accommodate specific room requests.
How are rooms assigned?
State Support will prioritize accessibility needs in assigning rooms. All other rooms will be assigned randomly, though we will first fill rooms that are closest to the conference sessions.
What if I stay for only one night or only part of the conference?
Our package rate includes two nights lodging, six group meals, three group refreshment breaks, conference CLEs, materials, entertainment, and MN sales tax and service charge. The same rate will be charged for a shorter stay and/or fewer meals. You, or your program, will be charged the full fee if you come for all or any portion of the conference.
Are there gender-neutral restrooms available?
Yes. Each of the two primary conference buildings will have at least one designated gender-neutral restroom available.
Can I choose a non-smoking or smoking room?
All lodging rooms at Madden’s are non-smoking. Public areas, meeting rooms, and bars are also smoke free per Minnesota state law. There is a designated smoking area with “butt huts” outside of the main resort building (Madden Inn & Golf Club).
How do I book a spa treatment during the conference?
If you wish to make an appointment with The Spa at Madden's during the conference, we suggest scheduling in advance for best availability. Call 218-855-5917 or fill out their form for an appointment.
Is there an option to attend the conference virtually?
No, unfortunately we are unable to livestream the conference. However, we plan to record all plenaries and selected breakout sessions. Unless we encounter unforeseen technical difficulties, we will make these recordings available for On Demand CLE credit after the conference.
Can I extend my stay for the weekend?
Unfortunately, no. Madden’s will be closed the weekend following the conference.
Can I charge incidentals or room service to my room?
You will be asked for a credit card when checking into the hotel to cover any incidentals such as room service, movie rental, phone calls, restaurant meals (other than conference-provided meals) or anything charged to your room. These types of incidentals are your responsibility.
Are there Covid-19 mitigation policies at State Conference?
The State Conference adheres to current guidance from the CDC and MDH. As such, masks are not required for attendance at any conference sessions or activities. However, the CDC and MDH do recommend core prevention strategies to reduce the spread of illness if needed. Please do not attend the conference if you are sick. If you have a compromised immune system or are at higher risk of severe illness, please take extra precautions during attendance, including the use of masks, distancing, and tests.
Cancellation/Refund Policy
Full refunds will be issued for cancellations due to your illness or the illness of a close contact at any time prior to the conference.
If you are unable to attend for reasons other than illness, you must cancel with Legal Services State Support by Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 5:00pm Central to incur no charge.
After September 18th, no refunds will be made. However, you may substitute another person in your program (who has not yet registered) to take your place. If a waiting list has been established, we may also be able to substitute a person from that list. Please notify State Support of the change in your plans as soon as possible and before the start of the Conference.
Cancellations for any reason must be received via email to Leah Mair at lmair@mnlegalservices.org
For any additional questions about the 2024 Legal Services Statewide Conference, please contact Leah Mair at lmair@mnlegalservices.org or at 651-842-6911.